Where is leader Kim Jong Un?

Friday, October 10, 2014 - 01:23

North Korea's state media has indicated that leader Kim Jong Un was absent from an important political anniversary event on Friday, amid mounting international speculation over the state of his health. Deborah Lutterbeck reports.

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Dancing in the streets in Pyongyang as North Koreans mark the anniversary of the founding of North Korea's Workers' Party.
But where is leader Kim Jong Un?
State TV says a flower basket was presented in his honor as a tribute.
Sources say he is still firmly in charge -- but stayed away after hurting his leg taking part in a military drill.
North Korea's media has not mentioned any public appearances since their leader attended a concert with his wife on September 3.
Sources say Kim needs about 100 days to recuperate -- although that information could not be independently verified.
Speculation that Kim's unusually long absence from public view may be due to ill health was fueled by a North Korean television report late last month that said he was suffering from "discomfort".
Some North Korea watchers also suggested that Kim may have been sidelined in a power struggle...although North Korean sources have called such rumors "rubbish".

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